U.S. Meat Export Federation Processing And Retail Consultant Monty Brown (right) provides information about purchasing U.S. meat to a potential customer at the Food & Drink Expo 2006 show in the United Kingdom.

That’s the message the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) delivered at the United Kingdom’s (UK) largest food show held this week in Birmingham.

“There are many great opportunities in the EU for U.S. beef and pork exporters,“ USMEF Director, Europe, Russia And Middle East Jackie Hruby said. “During the show we received requests for U.S. pork from leading processors and for U.S. beef from a leading retailer, who is considering marketing U.S. beef in their finest beef category.“

At the USMEF information booth in the USA Pavilion, visitors picked up U.S. beef and pork information kits and talked with Hruby and USMEF Processing And Retail Consultant Monty Brown.

Beef prices continue to increase in the EU due to restrictions on imports from Brazil caused by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak there. Argentina’s recent self-imposed ban of beef exports also pushed up prices.

“Since the ban on British beef has been lifted, the beef shortage in the UK could become more acute as British beef exports to EU member states will restart in the coming months,“ Hruby said. “Pork is in high demand as the UK continues to be one of the highest-cost producers in the EU.“

At the U.S. Meat Export Federation information booth in the USA Pavilion, Food & Drink Expo 2006 visitors picked up U.S. beef and pork information kits that they could review or pass along to potential U.S. meat customers.

Food & Drink Expo 2006 was especially beneficial to USMEF since it included the Foodex Meatex exhibition, which had a strong meat industry focus that attracted a high number of UK-based processors and butchers.

After meeting with USMEF at the expo, one butcher placed an order and will receive U.S. beef later this month.

The four-day expo attracted more than 20,000 visitors and incorporates foodservice, manufacturing, retail, wholesale and export sectors to provide a showcase for innovative manufacturers and a meeting place for the world’s buyers.

In January, U.S. beef and beef variety meat exports to the EU were 2,399 metric tons (mt) valued at $3.1 million, an 11 percent increase in value from the same month last year, while U.S pork and pork variety meat exports increased 23 percent in volume (635 mt) and 31 percent in value ($1.7 million).

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, lamb, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

Source: US Meat Export Federation - 23rd March 2006